Record tumbles as Dundee’s Quality Slaughter Stock Show and Sale makes a come back
Covid-19 and foot & mouth disease restrictions curtailed the show, which is a highlight on the local agricultural calendar.
A record was broken at the Quality Slaughter Stock Show and Sale hosted by the Dundee & District Farmers Union, held for the first time in five years last Thursday.
An ox, weighing in at 1180kg, was sold for R38,500, which is a record for a slaughter animal in Dundee.
Fritz Botes of the Fort Mistake area sold the ox.
Jan Labuschagne of Blinkwater Boerdery, Wasbank, was judged to have shown the supreme champion in the cattle section and also took home the reserve champion prize.
Abrie Landman of Wakkerstroom showed the champion lamb, while little Callum Rosewall’s entry took the reserve champion prize.
Simon Adams judged the cattle and Rudolf Gevers the sheep.
Speaking at the prize-giving, Johann du Plessis (chairperson of the Dundee and District Farmers Union) said ‘it was extremely positive to host the show after a five-year gap’.
“We are thankful to our 29 sponsors – with ABSA as our main contributor – through which we can give away prizes totalling R100,000,” Johan said.
“It was gratifying to see three Farmers Union committee members – Jen Rosewall, Jan Labuschagne and Frits Botes – entering the show. A big thank you to them for their commitment and support to the union.”
Johan added that ‘it has been a difficult road for us all since Covid-19’, regarding the economy and other issues.
“But we feel there is more positivity in the air and this show is indicative of that.
“135 sheep were on sale and over 500 cattle, with 80 cattle entered into the actual show and 60 sheep.”
He added that it was pleasing to see children competing again in the class reserved for them.
“The vision is to inculcate a love of animals in our children.”
Dirk Wessels, one of three living honorary members of the Farmers Union, presented the prizes.
Special mention was made of Samson Ndima of De Jagersdrift as an emerging farmer who has shown what hard work can achieve. Samson took home numerous prizes, including:
2nd place: lambs, any breed over 40kg;
Reserve champion pen five slaughter lambs;
1st place single animal unshed 401-450kg;
2nd place single animal unshed;
1st single heifer unshed; and
1st and 2nd place single animal 1-2 tooth.
Other winners included:
Heaviest sheep on show – Brian Greenhough: 82kg;
Heaviest ox on show –
1. Fritz Botes
2. Blinkwater Boerdery
Children’s Class:
Lamb any breed –
1. Callum Rosewall;
2. Daniel Landman
Children’s Class:
Stier or heifer:
1. Mieke Labuschagne
2. Stefan Boschoff.
Best slaughter cow:
1. Arthur Hellberg
2. Stefan Boschoff.
Tributes were paid to Johann du Plessis, Craig Carter and Heidi Wellmann for their hard work and efforts in ensuring a successful show day.
The evening concluded with the traditional farmers’ braai and fellowship
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